Coining a new Backyard Barter project

Coining a new Backyard Barter project

Lisa Rutledge, Times Staff

Cambridge women Catherine Martel, left, and Donna King are organizing a monthly Backyard Barter project that encouraging people to trade goods and services without use of currency. Their first public event runs this Saturday at 127 Elgin St. N., from 1 to 3 p.m.

Donna has a new shopping addiction, but unlike other hardcore shoppers she can leave her wallet at home.

The Cambridge woman is part of old-is-new trend that uses the barter system to obtain goods and services, and she has an inkling that others in the community are going to get addicted to the concept, too.

She became enamoured with the concept after meeting Catherine Martel, who was inspired to create a monthly trading market where people could exchange items or service. King joined a small gathering of people who participated in the trade session.

While Martel creates handmade soaps and King designs her own jewelry, each offering their goods up for trade, they have traded other services. For example, King has traded housecleaning for photography sessions.

“We all just got together and just traded,” she said.

Believing the concept has major potential, Martel and King have decided to organize monthly trade sessions, dubbing the events Backyard Barter. The first public barter event will be held this Saturday at the Alison Park Neighbourhood Association facility, at 127 Elgin St. N., from 1 to 3 p.m.

The women are encouraging people to bring items or services for bartering, everything from homemade crafts, artwork, knitting or specialty items, vouchers for services such as photography, dance or fitness sessions, painting, pet grooming or hair styling.

It’s an underrated concept, but one anyone can take advantage of, according to King. When she explains the concept to others, they often brush the idea off, but soon become intrigued.

“A lot of people say they don’t have anything to barter,” said King. “Everybody has something to barter.”

With concerns about budgets and avoiding the credit crunch, it may be an idea whose time has come.

“Nowadays, we don’t have the money to spend on things we want,” said King.

Participation in the Backyard Barter project is simple, say the Cambridge women. Participants bring their offerings to the event and can set them up for display. Others can simply propose trades by offering one good or service in exchange until a deal is reached. While goods are usually listed by price, services are rated by an hourly rate.

“And in the process you get meet everybody,” noted King.

For information about the Backyard Barter project, e-mail cassidycreek2@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.